Michy making his mark

news
Mon 29 Jan 2018

Michy Batshuayi certainly enjoys the domestic cup competitions.

Just like in the previous round against Norwich, when the Blues needed a player to step up and help us seize the initiative during yesterday’s FA Cup game against Newcastle, it was the Belgian who broke the deadlock, firing home from close range after Marcos Alonso had helped the ball into his path.

Just 13 minutes later, on the stroke of half-time, Batshuayi made it 2-0 when he finished off a move he had helped spark with a clever back-heel to Pedro.

After an opening half-hour in which we'd struggled to break Newcastle down, we headed in for the break with a two-goal advantage thanks to Batshuayi, and the brace brought his tally for the season to 10.

Batshuayi has now scored three FA Cup goals this season, and five since joining Chelsea, more than any other player under Antonio Conte.

As well as making a big impact in the FA Cup, he was our top scorer in this season's Carabao Cup campaign with three goals, and the 24-year-old has also netted twice in the Champions League, including a memorable last-gasp winner at Atletico Madrid.

Batshuayi spoke about making the most of opportunities when they come his way after the game.

"It was very good for the team and myself, I’m very happy. When I have the chance I try to take it and I work hard every day.
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Conte was asked about Batshuayi’s performance in the post-match press conference.

'I don’t know if it was his best game, but it was very important for the team and for him,' said the Italian. 'For the striker to score is very important for confidence.

'Michy has worked with us for one-and-a-half years, and he has improved a lot in many tactical situations.'

Thanks to the significance of his impact, Batshuayi was deservedly named man of the match at the end of yesterday's game.

With the striker performing well and scoring goals he, like all Chelsea supporters, will be looking forward to tonight's draw for the FA Cup fifth round.